Author: Chukwu Godlove
There was a time when a South African holiday didn’t start with a boarding pass, it began with a packed boot, a map unfolded across the dashboard, and a promise of padkos at the halfway mark. Unsplash+ Community Long before cheap flights and GPS, families charted their holidays along winding national roads that connected small towns, farm stalls, and the open country. These old holiday routes, rich with nostalgia and dotted with relics of another travel era, still offer some of the most scenic journeys in the country. Here’s how to rediscover them — slowly, meaningfully, and with your windows…
November is the sweet spot of the year. The chill of winter is gone, the summer crowds have not yet arrived, and the open road calls your name. It is a time for spontaneous getaways and long scenic drives, for discovering the quieter corners of South Africa before the festive rush begins. This month, we are celebrating the letter N and the destinations that proudly carry it. From the fynbos-covered hills of Napier to the trees of Nieuwoudtville, here is an alphabet-inspired itinerary to mark the final stretch of the year. Napier, Western Cape Start your journey in the heart…
Thinking about a safari in November? It can be one of the most rewarding months to explore Africa. The first rains in some regions transform dry plains into lush green landscapes, migratory birds return, and newborn wildlife take their first wobbly steps. You’ll also enjoy fewer crowds compared to peak season, as long as you pick your destination wisely.Lush safari scenes await in November, Image Credit: Phinda Forest LodgeIs November a Good Time to Go on a Safari?There’s never a bad time to visit Africa! It’s all about where you go. November can be a great time for an African safari,…
Summer in Johannesburg can feel like a sun-soaked marathon. Image used for illustrative purposes/Paulo Almeida/Unsplash When the heat rises and the city buzzes with mid-season energy, there is no better way to find calm than by slipping into a poolside retreat. Luckily, you do not have to travel far for a mini holiday. From fancy rooftops to garden-framed ripples, these hotels offer the perfect places to cool off without leaving the city. 1. The Peech Hotel, Melrose Hidden in the quiet suburb of Melrose, The Peech Hotel is the definition of urban tranquility. Its chic design blends seamlessly with a…
Monrovia — President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. has welcomed the decision of the United States Department of State to revise its visa reciprocity schedule for Liberia, extending the validity period for certain nonimmigrant visas from 12 months to 36 months. In a statement, the U.S. Government announced that, effective immediately, Liberian applicants for B-1 (Business), B-2 (Tourism), and B1/B2 (Business/Tourism Combination) visas will now receive multiple-entry visas valid for three years, with no reciprocity fee required for those who qualify. President Boakai described the move as “a clear demonstration of the strong and enduring partnership between Liberia and the United…
A rare 1946 portrait by South African artist Irma Stern has made headlines after selling for over R21.7 million at Strauss & Co’s latest International Sale, setting a new African record for a Stern portrait of a female sitter. Screenshot from Strauss & Co Auctioneers (strauss_and_co)on Instagram According to Strauss & Co, the painting’s success comes ‘at a time of extraordinary international visibility’ for Stern. The artist is currently the subject of a career-spanning retrospective at the Brücke Museum in Berlin, where she first began her artistic journey in the 1910s. Last year, Stern’s 1942 portrait of Emma Bakayishonga, sister…
Nairobi — The government has announced plans to expand the Malindi International Airport (MIA) to enhance air connectivity and attract more tourists to Kenya’s coast region. Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano made the announcement during the official opening of the fourth Uganda-Kenya Coast Tourism Conference and Exhibition at Ocean Beach Resort and Spa in Malindi. “There are ongoing discussions between various stakeholders, the Kilifi County and National governments to complete the process of expanding the Malindi International Airport to grow air connectivity to the coast region,” said Miano. She added that the government is prioritizing the liberalization of…
South Africa’s markets are far more than weekend shopping stops. They’re where the country’s creative spirit comes alive through sizzling food stalls, vintage finds, handmade crafts, and conversations with passionate locals. Image used for illustrative purposes/Alferio Njau/Unsplash If you’re ready to explore beyond the usual tourist spots, these seven markets — scattered across Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Western and Northern Cape, are worth the road trip. Come hungry, bring a tote bag, and prepare to discover a side of South Africa that’s as authentic as it is unexpected. The Firs Antique Fair, Johannesburg (Gauteng) For treasure hunters and vintage lovers…
The recent announcement by the United States Government extending visa validity for Liberians from one year to three years is, without doubt, a commendable diplomatic achievement. It reflects the growing confidence of the U.S. in Liberia’s governance, stability, and partnership under the Boakai administration. Yet, while the nation celebrates, it is crucial that we temper our excitement with sober reflection. This policy shift, though positive, must not be mistaken for a ticket to abandon our national responsibilities or chase greener pastures abroad. Liberia remains our home, the only place where Liberians can truly belong, enjoy full rights, and exercise full…
South Africans are travelling more than ever. What started as revenge travel after lockdown hasn’t slowed down, and Standard Bank clients are leading the way. Their spend on travel in 2024 doubled what the bank recorded in 2021. Thirty-two percent of that spend went to flight bookings, accounting for 1.5 million bookings, mostly by Private Banking clients. Travel and tour operators and accommodation accounted for 26% and 21% respectively to become the next two highest spend categories. Over the past five years, travel has seen a strong rebound, driven by pent-up demand after the pandemic. Standard Bank’s data shows that…